Cibus: the international Italian food trade fair in Parma

Where and when

Event: Cibus - International Food Trade Fair Where: Fiere di Parma, Viale delle Esposizioni 393/a, Parma When: Every two years in May (even-year editions: 2024, 2026, 2028). In odd years, Cibus Connecting Italia is held instead. Organised by: Fiere di Parma and Federalimentare Access: The fair is reserved for professional operators in the food sector. Cibus is the most important biennial event dedicated to the Italian food industry. Founded in 1985, it is a global reference point for professionals in the agri-food sector.

A history of international success

The fair takes place every two years during the month of May in Parma, the Italian gastronomic capital recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2015. The 2024 edition recorded exceptional figures, with more than 75,000 visitors from all over the world. This remarkable success bears witness to the growing importance of the event on the international stage. At the most recent edition, 3,000 exhibiting brands presented more than 10,000 different products. There were also more than 3,000 buyers from no fewer than 70 different countries.

The venue and its strategic location

Cibus takes place at Fiere di Parma, located at Viale delle Esposizioni 393/a, a modern and well-connected venue. Its privileged position makes it easy to reach for both Italian and international visitors. The choice of Parma as host city is no coincidence. The city is the beating heart of Italy's food valley, home to globally recognised excellences.

The product categories on show

The event covers the entire food chain, with local producers presenting their finest offerings. The main categories include meat and cured-meat products, the very symbol of Parma's tradition. DOP cheeses are also represented, foremost among them Parmigiano Reggiano, considered the king of Italian cheeses. Find out more about this excellence by visiting the gastronomic tradition of Parma. Among the products on show are also high-quality fresh and dried pasta, DOP extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and traditional confectionery. There is no shortage of natural beverages, organic products and foods designed for specific dietary needs. Ready meals and bakery products also have a prominent place at the event. Each category is carefully represented by Italy's leading producers, who showcase the quality and innovation of their offerings.

Prosciutto di Parma: the absolute star

Among the undisputed stars of Cibus is Prosciutto di Parma DOP, one of the most prestigious cured meats in Italy and the world. The event offers the chance to discover all the secrets of the production of Prosciutto di Parma. Prosciutto represents a tradition that goes back centuries, with curing methods that remain faithful to the original recipes. Every ham on display tells a story of passion and dedication. During the fair you can taste this remarkable product and meet directly the producers who keep the teachings of their forebears alive.

Cibus's audience: industry professionals

Cibus is primarily a B2B trade fair dedicated to professionals in the food industry. Its main target visitors include large-scale retail and international retail chains. The fair also attracts representatives from the restaurant and HoReCa sector, which is fundamental for distributing Italian products in restaurants around the world. Also attending the event are wholesalers and importers looking for new suppliers and exclusive products to bring to their target markets. Finally, there are representatives from independent retail who wish to discover the new products and excellences of the Italian food industry to enrich their offering.

The economic impact on the city

Cibus is an event of extraordinary economic importance for Parma and for the entire Emilia-Romagna region. The event brings significant ripple effects in terms of hotel bookings and commercial activity. The city's hotels fill up during the days of the fair, as do the restaurants and dining venues. This phenomenon lasts for the entire duration of the event. Find out where to stay by consulting our guide to the best hotels in Parma to plan your stay during the fair.

Parma as the world's gastronomic capital

The choice of Parma as the host of Cibus is no accident. The city is internationally recognised as the capital of Italian gastronomy and was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015. This prestigious recognition acknowledges Parma's extraordinary contribution to promoting world food culture. The city is the home of excellences such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and culatello di Zibello. Visit the 10 typical dishes of Parma you absolutely have to try to deepen your knowledge of the city's culinary richness. The presence of Cibus in Parma further reinforces the city's position as a nerve centre of the Italian and global food industry.

How to attend Cibus and plan your stay

Visitors from around the world have the chance to discover the latest developments in the Italian food industry during the fair. We recommend planning your stay in advance at one of the city's hotels. You can consult the complete guide on where to stay in Parma to find the accommodation best suited to your needs during the event. To make the most of your visit, also consider consulting the guide on where to eat in Parma to discover the best restaurants in which to sample local dishes. It is also worth consulting the guide on where to park in Parma if you plan to arrive by car.

A cultural experience beyond the fair

In addition to visiting Cibus, those who travel to Parma for the event have the chance to discover the city's artistic treasures. The city offers an extraordinary cultural richness. You can visit the Teatro Regio, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, or discover the Teatro Farnese, a historic theatre of great importance. We recommend visiting the Pilotta Monumental Complex, which houses important museums and art galleries. A stroll through the Parco Ducale allows you to relax after intense days at the fair. The park is a beautiful green space in the heart of the city.

The 2026 biennial fair and beyond

Following the success of the previous edition, attention is already turning to the next edition of Cibus, which will continue to consolidate Parma's role in the global agri-food sector. The biennial rhythm of the event allows it to maintain a high standard of quality and innovation, avoiding the fatigue associated with events held too frequently. Cibus remains the leading appointment for food sector professionals and represents a unique opportunity to discover the new products and excellences of Italian gastronomy. Find out more by visiting our authentic food tour of Parma page to prepare for the fair with a genuine culinary experience.

International networking opportunities

Cibus offers extraordinary opportunities for professional networking between companies, producers, distributors and international buyers. The exhibition spaces are designed to facilitate direct and productive meetings. Many companies use Cibus as a platform to launch new products and to present their innovations to international markets. The visibility offered by the fair is invaluable for positioning in the global marketplace. During the event, conferences and panel discussions are also held, devoted to trends in the food sector, production innovation and international expansion strategies. These moments help attendees to understand the dynamics of the global market and to identify opportunities for collaboration and commercial partnership.

Benefits for Parma producers

For local Parma producers, Cibus offers the chance to showcase their excellences to an international audience of qualified professionals. The event allows small and medium-sized producers to compete on the world stage, to establish direct commercial contacts and to receive valuable feedback on their products. Many Parma businesses have consolidated their international presence precisely thanks to the commercial relationships built up during previous editions of Cibus. Support from the City of Parma and trade associations ensures that local producers receive visibility and assistance during the event.

Innovation and sustainability in food

Cibus dedicates a growing space to the themes of sustainable innovation and environmental responsibility in the food industry. More and more companies are presenting organic products and eco-friendly packaging that reflect the new demands of conscious consumers. The event promotes dialogue around controlled supply chains and traceability systems that guarantee the quality and authenticity of Italian products. Find out more about how culinary excellence goes hand in hand with sustainability by visiting the cookery course in Parma for thorough training in the region's products.

Restaurants and international chefs at Cibus

During the fair, numerous internationally renowned chefs visit the stands to discover new raw ingredients and to establish direct relationships with producers. Restaurants on the Parma dining scene often use Cibus as an occasion to refresh their menus and to discover exclusive ingredients to offer their customers. This dialogue between fine dining and agricultural and food production keeps the Parma gastronomic ecosystem alive and dynamic.

Preparing to attend Cibus

Anyone wishing to attend Cibus should plan ahead, consulting the official programme and booking entry passes if required. It is advisable to identify in advance the stands of greatest interest and to plan an itinerary that makes the best use of your visiting time. Bringing materials for taking notes and your business cards is essential for those who wish to establish professional relationships during the event. Consult our guide to restaurants in Parma to plan convivial meals between exhibition sessions.

Conclusion: Cibus represents the past and the future

Cibus perfectly embodies the Italian gastronomic tradition and its capacity for innovation and internationalisation. The fair is a meeting point between the finest Italian producers and the most important buyers in the world. Visiting Cibus means immersing yourself in the beating heart of the Italian food industry, discovering new products and forging professional contacts that can change the course of your business. You can also deepen your knowledge by consulting specialised guides on the tour of Parma flavours, which will help you better understand the gastronomic excellence of this fascinating region. Cibus thus remains an essential appointment in the calendar of anyone working in the international food sector. The next edition of Cibus will be a further opportunity to discover what is new and to consolidate commercial relationships in the global food landscape. Parma awaits you with its flavours, its traditions and its hospitality, rooted in centuries of gastronomic excellence.